Councilor queries building project

SEMARANG: A Central Java councilor is protesting the planned construction of a building for local women activities which will cost the province Rp 3.5 billion (US$1.8 million).

"I don't think it's necessary. It's not urgent. Such a large amount of money could be used on other schemes which directly meet the needs of the common people, such as education or irrigation," said H.A. Thoyfoer of the United Development Party faction.

He said that the Central Java Family Welfare Movement, a grassroots women's movement, already had a representative office on Jl. Imam Bonjol.

Antara reported that the local administration planned to spend Rp 550 million on furniture for the three-story building and Rp 450 million on electronic equipment. No further details about the equipment were given by the news agency. (swe)